As the years pass, there are some technological developments that come out that are pretty cool. We now have more capabilities in both educational settings as well as everyday life than we have ever had before. Take, for instance, the thermal imaging camera. Though it sounds like some crazy advanced piece of technology, they are more accessible than you may realize. And they serve far more applications than you may have realized as well.

First Responders

Though it may just seem like your average temperature measurer, don’t get it confused. Thermal imaging cameras make use of standard temperature measurement technology to help in a number of areas and applications. One of the best uses of these cameras is in aiding first responders like firefighters in the event of an emergency. Firefighters can use these cameras to isolate points of interest rather than relying on sound. It can be difficult to pinpoint someone in a fire just based on noise. Thermal imagers will help the firemen to see through the smoke and locate anyone who may be left inside the building. It is also great for identifying points of rescue where temperatures are relatively low.

Electrical Wiring Maintenance

Perhaps the most common use of thermal imaging cameras is for electrical wiring maintenance. There are a lot of physical connections between connectors and cables, and connectors and things like mounting studs. High-quality electrical connections have low electrical resistance between them and better efficiency is dependent on low contact resistance. When passing through a resistor, some of the electrical power dissipates and manifests as heat. By using a thermal imaging camera, technicians can locate areas where power is being dissipated thanks to degraded connections. These spots can be seen as bright spots when looking at a thermogram, making it easier for the technician to locate the trouble areas.

Military and Security

The vast majority of military groups in the world make use of thermal imaging technology in some form, typically integrated cameras. These cameras can be mounted on vehicles or directly onto the gear of individual soldiers. In dangerous situations where even one misstep can be fatal, having additional tools to remain safe is a necessity. Thermal imaging has also become a key part of home security. Thermal imaging can help to uncover hotspots even when things are pitch-black. That means spotting intruders that might be hiding behind thin veils like bushes or shrubs. Having mountable cameras around the property can provide total coverage in virtually any situation or setting.

Checking 3-Phase Equipment

When it comes to connecting power supply through wires, three-phase electrical equipment is a necessity. The current needs to be equal when it comes to magnitude, but it is possible to have an imbalance in each of the phases. There will be a temperature difference when one of those phases becomes unbalanced. Using thermal imaging cameras can make it easier to spot those imbalances. Not only is it easier to see them but the differences between them are quite drastic. Using a thermographer can make it easy to spot overhead electrical connections and pole-mounted transformers all without having to use dangerous equipment.

Animal Health

Many land-based animals are warm-blooded as human beings are. When they become ill, temperatures can fluctuate within the body. By using thermal imaging cameras, body temperature can be checked, and vets can look for variations in body temperature (healthy animals will have a uniform surface temperature). Using these cameras on pets can help to provide a quicker evaluation that eventually leads to the necessary medical treatment. These are mostly used for pets but the potential is there for more.

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